Matthew 10:3

KJV

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

KJV (with Strong's)

Philip {G5376}, and {G2532} Bartholomew {G918}; Thomas {G2381}, and {G2532} Matthew {G3156} the publican {G5057}; James {G2385} the son of {G3588} Alphaeus {G256}, and {G2532} Lebbaeus {G3002}, whose surname was {G1941} Thaddaeus {G2280};

Complete Jewish Bible

Philip and Bar-Talmai, T'oma and Mattityahu the tax-collector, Ya`akov Bar-Halfai and Taddai,

Berean Standard Bible

Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

American Standard Version

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:3 continues the enumeration of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, specifically naming Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (identified by his former occupation as a publican), James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, who was also known by the surname Thaddaeus. This verse underscores the diverse backgrounds of the individuals Jesus called to form the foundational core of His earthly ministry, highlighting the deliberate and purposeful nature of His selection process for the monumental task ahead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' initial commissioning of His twelve disciples, following the introduction of the first four apostles in [Matthew 10:2](/matthew/10-2 "Matthew 10:2 - The First Apostles"). The entire chapter of [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - The Commissioning of the Twelve") details Jesus' specific instructions and empowerment for their immediate mission. The meticulous listing of each apostle's name emphasizes the personal and deliberate nature of Jesus' selection, setting the stage for the authority and purpose He bestows upon them. The preceding verses establish their divine empowerment to heal, cast out demons, and raise the dead, while the subsequent verses outline their specific destination—the "lost sheep of the house of Israel"—and the challenges they will face.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, the selection of twelve men was highly symbolic, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel and signifying the establishment of a new spiritual Israel under Christ's leadership. The inclusion of individuals from varied social strata, such as fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John) and, notably, a tax collector (Matthew), was culturally significant. Tax collectors, or "publicans," were universally despised by their Jewish countrymen for collaborating with the Roman occupying power and for their notorious reputation for extortion and corruption. Their inclusion among a group of religious leaders and ordinary people challenged prevailing social norms and demonstrated Jesus' radical approach to forming His community.
* **Key Themes:** The listing of these apostles contributes to several key themes within [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel of Matthew"): the **sovereignty of Jesus** in choosing His followers, the **diversity within God's kingdom**, and the **transformative power of discipleship**. The inclusion of Matthew the publican powerfully illustrates the theme of **grace and inclusion**, showing that no one, regardless of their past or social standing, is beyond the reach of God's call. This divine calling is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign purpose, as seen throughout Jesus' ministry, where He often reached out to the marginalized and outcast, inviting them into a new life and mission, a theme also evident in His call to follow Him in [Matthew 9:9](/matthew/9-9 "Matthew 9:9 - The Call of Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **publican (Greek, _telṓnēs'_):** This term refers to a tax-farmer or collector of public revenue. In the Roman system, tax collection was often privatized, with individuals or groups bidding for the right to collect taxes in a given region. These "publicans" were notorious for overcharging the populace and pocketing the excess, making them deeply unpopular and often viewed as traitors by their fellow Jews. Matthew's identification as "the publican" in this list is a deliberate and significant detail, highlighting his former despised profession and emphasizing the radical nature of Jesus' call.
* **surname (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** This verb, in its middle voice, means "to entitle" or "to be called by a surname." In this context, it indicates that Lebbaeus was "surnamed" or "also called" Thaddaeus. This dual naming was common in the ancient world and serves here to clarify the identity of this particular apostle, distinguishing him from others with similar names, especially Judas Iscariot.
* **Thaddaeus (Greek, _Thaddaîos'_):** This name, of uncertain origin, identifies one of the apostles. He is generally believed to be the same person as Judas, son of James, mentioned in [Luke 6:16](/luke/6-16 "Luke 6:16 - The Twelve Apostles") and [Acts 1:13](/acts/1-13 "Acts 1:13 - The Disciples in the Upper Room"), and the Judas (not Iscariot) mentioned in [John 14:22](/john/14-22 "John 14:22 - Judas Asks a Question"). The use of "Thaddaeus" or "Lebbaeus" in Matthew and Mark's lists likely served to differentiate him clearly from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Philip, and Bartholomew;":** Philip, from Bethsaida, is often associated with Andrew and Peter. Bartholomew is widely identified with Nathanael, whom Jesus described as "an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile" ([John 1:47](/john/1-47 "John 1:47 - Jesus and Nathanael")). Their pairing here reflects their likely close association in the early apostolic group.
* **"Thomas, and Matthew the publican;":** Thomas, also known as Didymus (meaning "the Twin"), is famously remembered for his initial doubt regarding Jesus' resurrection ([John 20:25](/john/20-25 "John 20:25 - Thomas's Doubt")). Matthew is uniquely identified by his former occupation as a "publican" or tax collector. This detail is crucial, as it underscores Jesus' radical inclusivity, calling someone from a socially ostracized profession to be a foundational member of His inner circle and, ultimately, an author of a Gospel.
* **"James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;":** This James is distinguished from James the son of Zebedee (mentioned in [Matthew 10:2](/matthew/10-2 "Matthew 10:2 - The First Apostles")). He is sometimes referred to as "James the Less." Lebbaeus, also known as Thaddaeus, is another apostle with multiple names, a common practice in the ancient world. The use of these alternative names likely served to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, emphasizing the integrity and distinct identity of this faithful disciple.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:3 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Listing**, continuing the systematic cataloging of the twelve apostles that began in [Matthew 10:2](/matthew/10-2 "Matthew 10:2 - The Twelve Apostles"). This precise listing serves to emphasize the deliberate and authoritative selection made by Jesus, indicating that each individual was specifically chosen for a unique role in His kingdom work. The inclusion of "Matthew the publican" also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing a despised tax collector alongside fishermen and other ordinary men, thereby highlighting the radical inclusivity of Jesus' call and challenging the social and religious norms of the day. This stark contrast underscores the transformative power of Jesus' ministry, inviting those considered outcasts into the very heart of His mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:3, by continuing the list of the twelve apostles, profoundly illustrates God's sovereign choice and His ability to use diverse individuals for His divine purposes. The inclusion of Matthew, a former tax collector, is a powerful testament to God's grace, demonstrating that one's past occupation or social standing does not disqualify them from being called into intimate fellowship and significant service for Christ. This diversity among the apostles—from fishermen to a zealot (Simon, mentioned in [Matthew 10:4](/matthew/10-4 "Matthew 10:4 - The Last Apostles")) to a despised publican—foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel and the church, which is comprised of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. It underscores that God's kingdom is built not on human merit or social status, but on His transformative call and empowering grace, uniting a disparate group for a singular mission.

* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - God Chooses the Foolish")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")
* [Revelation 21:14](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - The New Jerusalem's Foundations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The selection of these diverse individuals, particularly Matthew the publican, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God's call is not limited by human qualifications, social standing, or past mistakes. Just as Jesus transformed a despised tax collector into a foundational apostle and Gospel writer, He can redeem and empower anyone for His service. This should instill in us both humility and confidence: humility, recognizing that our service is by grace and not by our own merit; and confidence, knowing that God equips those He calls, regardless of their perceived weaknesses or past failures. Furthermore, the diversity within the apostolic band challenges us to embrace and celebrate the varied backgrounds and gifts within the body of Christ today, fostering unity amidst differences for the sake of the Gospel mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' choice of Matthew the publican challenge my own preconceived notions about who God can use in His service?**
* **In what ways might my past or current circumstances feel like a disqualification for God's work, and how does this verse encourage me to reconsider?**
* **How can the diversity of the apostles inspire me to appreciate and collaborate with people from different backgrounds within my own faith community?**

### FAQ
**Why is Matthew identified specifically as "the publican" in this list, when other apostles are not identified by their former professions?**

Answer: Matthew's identification as "the publican" (or tax collector) is a deliberate and highly significant detail. Unlike the fishermen, whose profession was common and generally respected, tax collectors were deeply despised by their Jewish countrymen. They were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and were notorious for corruption and extortion. By explicitly naming Matthew as "the publican," the Gospel writer highlights the radical inclusivity of Jesus' call. It underscores that Jesus came not just for the righteous but for sinners, demonstrating His transformative power and grace. This detail would have been striking to the original audience, emphasizing that no one was beyond the reach of God's redemptive love, a theme also evident in [Matthew 9:10-13](/matthew/9-10-13 "Matthew 9:10-13 - Jesus Eats with Sinners").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The calling of these diverse men, including the socially ostracized Matthew, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the expansive and inclusive nature of the New Covenant established through Jesus. Just as Christ drew together a disparate group of individuals to be the foundation of His earthly ministry, He continues to build His church—His body—from every nation, tribe, people, and language, as prophesied in [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude"). The selection of Matthew, a publican, powerfully foreshadows the radical grace of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost, not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance ([Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus broke down all dividing walls, including those of social status, ethnicity, and past sin, making it possible for all who believe to be reconciled to God and united in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The apostles, chosen by Christ, became the initial witnesses and heralds of this universal salvation, commissioned to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth, a mission culminating in the Great Commission given in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"). Thus, this list of names is not merely historical but a profound testament to the inclusive, transforming power of Christ's redemptive work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 3:18

And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

Matthew 9:9

¶ And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Mark 2:14

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the [son] of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

John 1:43

¶ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

John 1:46

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Luke 6:14

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,